On‐Again/Off‐Again Relationships

Abstract

Assessing on‐again/off‐again or cyclical relationships is a new, but growing, area of research. Studies show that a majority of individuals have experienced an on‐again/off‐again (on‐off) relationship at some point in their dating history. As compared to partners whose relationships do not break up and renew, on‐off partners report lower relational quality (e.g., lower satisfaction, more relational uncertainty, greater conflict, more aggression) as well as greater structural constraints (e.g., children, lower income). Further, a cyclical nature during dating predicts a cyclical nature in cohabiting and marital relationships. Research identifying different types or trajectories of on‐off relationships, however, has revealed that some partners may use the relational transitions to improve their relationship. Certain theoretical perspectives have been applied (e.g., interdependence, commitment theories) to explain the development and maintenance of these relationships.

Relational turbulence and psychological distress in romantic relationships in the military

“…Moreover, relational turbulence existed within a pattern of instability that included fluctuations in relationship commitment. These findings are in line with previous research stating that on-off relationship cycling (i.e., a pattern of breaking up and reconciling) is associated with relational uncertainty, relationship violence, distress, and future instability (e.g., Dailey, 2016).…”

On–Off Relationship Instability and Distress Over Time in Same‐ and Different‐Sex Relationships

“…Relationship cycling, or churning, is characterized by at least one breakup and subsequent renewal of the same relationship (Dailey et al, 2009). Approximately 30% to 45% of individuals indicate that they have broken up and reconciled with their current partner (see Dailey, 2016Dailey, , 2020. Similarly, more than 61% of individuals have experienced on-again/off-again relationship cycling at some point in their lives (Dailey et al, 2009; see also Halpern-Meekin et al, 2013).…”

Coming Out and Getting Back In: Relationship Cycling and Distress in Same‐ and Different‐Sex Relationships

“…Compared with those without a history of cycling, on-off relationships are associated with higher rates of violence and verbal abuse, poorer communication, as well as lower levels of satisfaction and commitment (see Dailey, 2016;Dailey et al, 2009;Halpern-Meekin et al, 2013b). Individuals in on-off unions are also plagued with uncertainty about the future of their relationships and invest less into these partnerships, which results in lower levels of relationship maintenance aimed at preserving long-term commitment (Dailey, Hampel, & Roberts, 2010).…”

“…Given that cycling is associated with a variety of negative interpersonal and intrapersonal well-being factors, researchers should explore potential predictors of on-off instability. Namely, research assessing intrapersonal factors or selection effects that predispose someone to cycling are in need of investigation in future research (see Dailey, 2016).…”

“…One salient form of chronic relationship turmoil is the experience of dramatic fluctuations in relationship status, termed on-again/off-again relationships, relationship cycling (Dailey, Pfiester, Jin, Beck, & Clark, 2009), or relationship churning (Halpern-Meekin, Manning, Girdano, & Longmore, 2013a). This on-off cycling refers to relationships that are terminated and subsequently reconciled (Dailey et al, 2009) and is associated with notable impairments for partners (Dailey, 2016). Due to the relational distress created by on-off cycling, scholars have called for more research to expand the definition and measurement of instability beyond the dichotomous categorization of whether a relationship has been dissolved (Dailey et al, 2009).…”